Best Credit Cards To Build Credit in December 2025: Grow Your Score with the Right Card
Whether you’re just starting to build credit or working to bounce back from financial challenges, you deserve tools that help you move forward with confidence. In this guide, you’ll find our expert-picked credit cards, curated by the team at LendingTree, along with practical tips on how to use them wisely. You’ll learn how to choose the right card, build positive credit habits and take steps toward a stronger financial future.
Key takeaways
- Best credit card to build credit: Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card — Simple and affordable for those just starting out.
- Best credit card to rebuild credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card — Designed to help you recover and rebuild responsibly.
- Best credit card for students to build credit: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students — Great for earning rewards while establishing credit.
| Scenario | LendingTree's Recommendation |
|---|---|
| I’m new to credit and want an easy way to start building | Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card |
| I want an unsecured card that earns rewards while I build credit | Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| I have no credit history and need a simple way to start | Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card |
| I’m in the military and want a card that helps me build credit | Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card |
| I’m a small business owner looking to build credit | Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card |
| I’m rebuilding my credit | Discover it® Secured Credit Card |
| I’m rebuilding after bankruptcy and want a fresh start | opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card |
| I want a secured card that earns cash back rewards | Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card |
| I shop often on Amazon and want to build credit while I do | Amazon Secured Card |
| I want to keep interest costs low | First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® |
| I’m a student who wants to earn travel rewards while building credit | Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students |
| I’m a student who wants to earn cash back while building credit | Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Compare the best credit cards to build credit
Each of these credit builder cards can help you build or rebuild credit, but they differ in key ways. Some offer rewards on everyday spending, while others focus on low fees or easy approval for first-time applicants. Comparing these features side by side can help you find the best fit for your financial goals:
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Regular APR | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
|
Overall best to build credit
|
1.5% cash back
| 25.49% Variable | Good / Excellent | |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Unsecured card to build credit
|
1% - 8% Cash Back
| 29.49% (Variable) | Limited / Fair | |
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card*
|
Build credit with no credit
|
N/A | N/A | Limited / Poor / Fair | |
Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card*
|
Military members
|
Earn unlimited 1% cash back
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
| 18.00% variable APR | Limited / Fair | |
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card*
|
Business owners
|
1.5% cash back
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| 26.99% variable | See website for details* | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
 Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Rebuilding credit
|
1% - 2% cash back
| 26.74% Variable APR | Limited / Poor |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
Rebuilding after bankruptcy
|
10% cash back
Up to 10% cash back rewards
| 28.49% (variable) | Limited / Poor / Fair |
Apply Now
on Capital Bank, N.A.'s secure site |
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Secured card to build credit
|
1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| 29.49% (Variable) | Limited / Poor | |
Amazon Secured Card*
|
Store card to rebuild credit
|
2% cash back
2% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
| 10.00% non-variable | Limited / Poor | |
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®*
|
Rebuild credit with a low APR
|
1X point
1 point per $1 on every purchase
| 13.00% to 18.00% | N/A | |
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
|
Students
|
1.5X points
1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
| 17.74% to 27.74% Variable APR | Good / Excellent | |
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Students + cash back rewards
|
1% - 8% cash back
| 18.74% - 28.74% (Variable) | Fair |
Methodology: How we chose our best credit cards to build credit
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best credit cards for building credit. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:
We calculate how much the average cardholder can save with the card on a yearly basis. If it is a rewards card, we use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and $300 in monthly spend (the typical starting credit limit for an introductory card) to calculate how much the average cardholder can earn in rewards. We then subtract fees — including annual fees and maintenance fees — from this amount.
We give points for features that help build credit, including reports to all three credit bureaus, regular account reviews for card upgrades and free credit score access. We detract points for features that can be costly to cardholders trying to build credit, such as security deposits, penalty APRs and late payment fees.
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best credit card for building credit. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
Best credit cards to build credit
Overall best credit card to build credit
Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Automatic annual reviews for a potential card upgrade, free credit score tracking, credit line increase review in as soon as six months, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- $0 annual fee
- Credit limit increase possible in as little as six months
- Ability to boost your approval odds with $250 in a Chase bank account
- Earns rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Not for those with bad credit
- May require additional verification for approval
The Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card is an excellent first credit card to build credit because it pairs strong credit-building features with the chance to earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. This gives you an easy entry point into one of the most valuable rewards programs.
It’s not designed for those with bad credit, but you can improve your chances of approval by having a Chase checking account with a balance of at least $250.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card.
- Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
- Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can start building credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
- Earn a $25 statement credit when you sign up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account and remain enrolled for at least 90 days. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
- Credit Limit Increase - As a Chase cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
- Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
- No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® card.
- Member FDIC
Best unsecured credit card to build credit and earn rewards
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Free credit score tracking, credit line increase review after six months and the ability to monitor your credit score with CreditWise, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- Automatic credit line review in as little as six months
- High cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and streaming services
- $39 annual fee
- No sign-up bonus
- High regular APR
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is our pick for the best unsecured credit card to build credit and earn rewards because it offers strong cash back on everyday spending categories like dining, entertainment, streaming and groceries while helping you establish a positive credit history.
There’s a $39 annual fee, but you can easily offset that by spending around $1,300 per year in bonus categories (earning 3% cash back), which is a realistic target for most cardholders.
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases with a $39 annual fee
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and you can use your cash back for any amount–get gift cards, cover purchases or redeem for cash. Plus, rewards don’t expire for the life of the account
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card usage
- Enjoy unlimited access to your credit score and tools to help you monitor your credit profile with CreditWise from Capital One
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases with your SavorOne Card and enjoy exclusive access and cardholder perks
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Get access to exclusive reservations at award-winning restaurants and tickets to unforgettable culinary experiences with Capital One Dining
- Capital One SavorOne cardholders can pay with their rewards via PayPal Pay with Rewards and at Amazon.com
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Best credit card to build credit with no credit
Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Ability to build credit with limited / poor / fair credit, no credit check required, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- No credit check to apply
- $0 annual fee
- Reports to the major credit bureaus
- Doesn’t charge interest*
- Chime account required
- No rewards program
- No option to upgrade to an unsecured card
The Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for no credit because it lets you start building credit without a credit check. It also has a $0 annual fee and doesn’t require a security deposit. Instead, you simply move money from your Chime Checking Account to set your spending limit, giving you full control over how much you use.
It’s a simple, flexible option for anyone new to credit who wants to build safely without the costs of a traditional secured card.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card.
- No annual fees or interest,* no credit check to apply, and no minimum security deposit required3
- Help increase credit score by an average of 30 points1
- View and track your FICO® Score right in the Chime app. FICO Scores are used by 90% of top lenders
- Use everywhere VISA is accepted on everyday purchases, such as gas and groceries, and have these purchases count towards building credit via on-time payments
- Build credit history with your own money - your direct deposit sets how much you could spend, spend up to that amount, and have your monthly balance automatically paid with your direct deposit.
- Instant disable card in-app and real-time transaction alerts to prevent fraudulent activities, 24/7 support to assist you around the clock.
- Interest and fee-free˜ cash withdrawals at 60K+ ATMs at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and more.
- Apply for a Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card once you sign up for a Chime Checking Account2. See www.chime.com to learn more.
- Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. The secured Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your card for its issuing bank.
- *No interest: Out of network ATM withdrawal fees may apply. See here for details.1 Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.2 To apply for Credit Builder, you must have an active Chime® Checking Account.3 Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.ATM Disclosure: Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
Best credit card to build credit for military members
Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card*
Credit-building features: Automatic account review after three months for possible credit line increase, automatic account reviews after six months for unsecured card upgrade eligibility.
- Low 18.00% variable APR
- Free FICO® Score tracking
- Opportunity for credit limit increases and to upgrade to an unsecured card
- $0 annual fee, $0 foreign transaction fee and $0 balance transfer fees
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back
- Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) membership requires a military connection
The Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card is our choice for the best credit card to build credit for military members because it offers a low-cost way to establish a positive credit history while earning cash back rewards. After six months, Navy Federal reviews your account for a potential upgrade to the unsecured version of the card, so you can earn higher rewards without reapplying or making an additional deposit.
Just know that you’ll need a Navy Federal Credit Union membership, which requires a qualifying military connection. You’ll also need a minimum security deposit of $200 to get started.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card.
Best business credit card to build credit
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Regular account reviews, free credit tracking tools, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- $0 annual fee
- Flat-rate cash back rewards
- Builds business credit history
- High $1,000 minimum deposit required
- Doesn’t help build personal credit
The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card is our choice for the best secured business credit card to help build credit because it helps you establish or strengthen your company’s credit profile through responsible use and on-time payments. There are also periodic account reviews to see if you’re eligible for the chance to upgrade to an unsecured business credit card.
In addition, your business can earn flat-rate cash back rewards while improving its credit. Just keep in mind that this card builds business credit only and doesn’t affect your personal credit history.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual caps
- $0 annual fee
- Open an account with a $1,000 minimum deposit
- Cash flow management tools, including automatic payments, transfers and download into QuickBooks
Best credit cards to rebuild credit
Best credit card to rebuild credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Credit-building features: Free FICO® Score access, free Social Security number alerts, monthly upgrade reviews after seven months, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- Intro APR offer on balance transfers
- Cash back on every purchase
- $0 annual fee
- Automatic account reviews after seven months
- Cap on the 2% earning rate each quarter 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically
- Maximum credit line of $2,500 (if you qualify)
We chose the Discover it® Secured Credit Card as the best credit card to rebuild credit because it gives applicants with limited / poor credit a straightforward way to strengthen their credit profile and move up to an unsecured card.
A refundable security deposit starting at $200 determines your credit line, and with responsible use, you can graduate to an unsecured Discover card after as few as seven months. You’ll also earn cash back rewards on every purchase, making it one of the most rewarding secured cards available.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- Rates & Fees
Best credit card to rebuild credit after bankruptcy
opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Credit-building features: Regular account reviews, free credit score access, reporting to the three major credit bureaus.
- No credit check or bank account needed
- Opportunity for credit limit increases and unsecured card upgrade
- $0 annual fee
- Up to 10% cash back rewards
- Cash back only at participating merchants
The opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card may be best for you if you’ve just gone through bankruptcy or have other negative information on your credit reports. That’s because there’s no credit check to apply — so your previous credit history won’t be considered.
You’ll need a minimum deposit of $300. But, after six months of responsible usage, you may be eligible to graduate to the unsecured OpenSky Visa® Gold Card or a credit line increase with no additional application and no additional deposit.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the opensky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card.
- Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
- No annual fee – keep more money in your pocket!
- No credit check required – 89% approval rate with zero credit risk to apply!
- Earn up to 10% cash back on everyday purchases
- Boost your credit score fast—2 out of 3 opensky® cardholders see an average increase of 47 points after 6 months
- Track your progress with free access to your FICO® score in our mobile app
- Build your credit history with reporting to all three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Seamless payments—add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
- Start with as little as $300 – Secure your line with a refundable security deposit
- Fast and easy application—apply in minutes with our mobile-first experience
- Flexible payment options—pick a due date that works for you
- More time to fund—spread your security deposit over 60 days with layaway
- Join 1.6 million+ cardholders who have used opensky® to build better credit!
Best secured credit card to build credit and earn rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Automatic credit line review in as little as six months, ability to monitor your credit score with CreditWise, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- Cash back on every purchase
- $0 annual fee
- Automatic credit line review in as little as six months
- No sign-up bonus
- High regular APR
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is our choice for the best secured credit card to build credit and earn rewards because, unlike many secured cards, it lets you earn cash back on every purchase while establishing your credit history.
You’ll need to put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get at least a $200 initial credit line. But you’ll be considered for a credit line increase or upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use over time.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- No annual or hidden fees, and you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. See if you're approved in seconds
- Put down a refundable $200 security deposit to get at least a $200 initial credit line
- Building your credit? Using a card like this responsibly could help
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- You could earn back your security deposit as a statement credit when you use your card responsibly, like making payments on time
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months with no additional deposit needed
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Best store card to rebuild credit
Amazon Secured Card*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Regular account reviews, free credit tracking tools, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- Low APR
- Cash back rewards for Prime members
- $0 annual fee
- Cash back requires Prime membership
- Can’t be used at non-Amazon retailers
- Low maximum credit limit
The Amazon Secured Card is a great choice for Amazon Prime members who want to build credit while earning rewards. With an eligible Prime membership, you’ll earn strong cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. The card also offers a low 10.00% non-variable APR, which can help if you occasionally carry a balance.
You can get started with a minimum security deposit of just $100, and after 12 months of responsible use, you may upgrade to the Amazon Prime Store Card and get your deposit back.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Amazon Secured Card.
- No annual fee
- Minimum $100 security deposit up to $1,000
- Join Prime to get 2% back on Amazon.com
Best credit card to rebuild credit with a low APR
First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- $0 annual fee
- Lower-than-average APR
- Rewards program
- No sign-up bonus
- Credit union membership required
When you need to carry a balance, the $0-annual-fee First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard® is a solid choice, thanks to its well-below-average 13.00% to 18.00% variable APR. It also has a $0 balance transfer fee, which is a money-saver if you need to consolidate debt with a balance transfer.
First Tech Credit Union membership is required, but there are multiple ways to qualify that are simple and inexpensive. You’ll also need a $500 minimum deposit.
- No annual fee, balance transfer, cash advance or foreign transaction fee
- Earn points for every dollar you spend
- Purchase assurance covers eligible items for theft of damage
- 24-hour emergency card services
- Identity theft protection
Why secured cards help build credit
Secured credit cards can help build or rebuild credit because they report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — allowing you to establish a positive credit history with responsible use. They require a refundable security deposit, which acts as collateral. This deposit reduces the lender’s risk, making secured cards more accessible to people with limited or less-than-perfect credit. With consistent on-time payments, some secured cards even let you upgrade to an unsecured card after several months.
→ Looking for more secured credit card options? See LendingTree’s best secured credit cards for building credit.
Best credit cards for students to build credit
Best credit card for students to build credit
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students*
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Free FICO® Score access, account alerts, mobile app with educational content, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- $0 annual fee
- Valuable welcome offer
- Unlimited flat-rate rewards
- Intro APR offer
- Few travel benefits
- Intended for those with good / excellent credit
- Balance transfer fee
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students is our pick for the best credit card for students to build credit because of its flat-rate rewards on purchases, $0 annual fee and generous sign-up bonus that can be redeemed for travel or dining purchases. If you’re a student who’s planning to study abroad, this card also comes with a $0 foreign transaction fee.
Additionally, there’s no required security deposit and a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, which can be a nice perk if you’re planning to finance a large purchase or transfer a balance.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a 17.74% to 27.74% Variable APR will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Best student credit card to build credit and earn cash back
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Credit-building features: Free credit tracking tools, reporting to the major credit bureaus.
- High cash back in popular categories
- Ability to earn a sign-up bonus
- $0 annual fee
- No security deposit required
- Limited to students with some credit and income
- No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is our choice for the best student credit card for building credit and earning cash back because it offers generous rewards on everyday categories like dining, entertainment, streaming and groceries — comparable to the regular Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. But you’ll need some credit history and a source of income in order to qualify for the card.
→ Read LendingTree’s full review of the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
- Top rated mobile app
- For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
How to build credit with a credit card
The best way to build credit with a credit card is to use it regularly and responsibly. Focus on these key habits and be mindful of the pitfalls that can slow your progress.
- Make on-time payments.
Payment history is the biggest factor affecting your credit score. Missing even one can hurt your score and lead to late fees. - Pay your balance in full each month.
Avoid interest charges and show that you can manage debt responsibly.
→ Tip: If you can’t pay your balance in full, you should at least try to pay the minimum payment each month to avoid penalties. - Keep your credit utilization low (ideally below 30%).
Carrying high balances can raise your credit utilization ratio and lower your score. - Apply for new credit only when needed.
Each application triggers a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Hard inquiries stay on your credit report for two years, though their impact fades over time). - Monitor your spending and credit score.
Tracking your activity helps you catch errors and stay on budget.
→ Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring. - Consider diversifying your credit mix.
Over time, having different types of credit can strengthen your profile. - Start with one good card, then expand carefully.
Having too many cards can make it hard to manage payments and balances.
Tip: Credit building takes time. Steady, responsible use matters more than quick fixes.
→ See LendingTree’s full guide on how to build credit with a credit card.
How can I build credit without a credit card?
Building credit without a credit card is possible. It just takes the right tools and consistent payment habits. While credit cards are one of the fastest ways to establish credit, other options can also help you show lenders you’re responsible with credit. Here are some of the most effective ways to build credit without a credit card.
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Become an authorized user on a credit card
Becoming an authorized user on someone else’s credit card can help you build credit by benefiting from their positive payment history.
→ See LendingTree’s guide on the pros and cons of being an authorized user on a credit card.
How one LendingTree writer helped her husband build credit from scratch
“Adding my husband as an authorized user on my oldest credit card took him from having no credit score to a 798 credit score in less than a year. However, this alone wasn’t enough for him to be eligible for an unsecured credit card, so he opened a secured credit card to further build his credit history and report.”
– Charlotte Zhang, credit cards writer at LendingTree
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Take out a credit builder loan or personal loan
A credit-builder loan or personal loan can help you establish credit by showing a record of on-time payments. Credit-builder loans are designed specifically to build credit. The money you borrow is held in a savings account until you finish making payments, helping you prove your reliability to lenders. Personal loans, on the other hand, can help you consolidate debt and improve your credit mix.
→ A LendingTree study found that reducing overall debt contributed to credit score increases of 100 points or more.
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Improve your credit utilization
If you currently have debt, paying down those balances will reduce your credit utilization, which is the percentage of available credit you are using. Credit scoring models weigh utilization heavily, and the lower yours is, the better.
Tip: Aim to get your utilization under 30% (for example, under $300 if you have a $1,000 credit limit), and as close to zero as possible.
→ See LendingTree’s full guide on how to build credit without a credit card.
Frequently asked questions
Start with one good credit card to build credit, then add a second card that earns rewards once you’re sure you can use credit responsibly. Try to stick with just a couple of cards; having many credit cards makes it difficult to manage your balance and payments, increasing your risk of getting into debt.
→ See LendingTree’s guide about how many credit cards you should have.
No, you don’t need a credit card to build credit. While credit cards are one of the easiest tools for establishing credit history, you can also build credit through credit-builder loans, personal loans, by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card or improving your credit utilization. The key is having accounts that report your payment activity to the major credit bureaus.
Not directly. Debit card activity isn’t reported to the credit bureaus because it pulls funds from your checking account rather than borrowing money. However, if your bank offers a debit-linked credit-building feature or reports banking data to bureaus, that information might help your score, though it’s less common than traditional credit reporting.
No. Prepaid cards don’t help you build credit because you’re spending money you’ve already loaded onto the card, not borrowing from a lender. Since there’s no credit line or repayment activity, the card issuer has nothing to report to the credit bureaus. If your goal is to build credit, a secured credit card or credit-builder loan is a better choice.
The fastest cards for building credit are those that report to all three major credit bureaus and reward consistent on-time payments. Cards like the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card or Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help you establish positive credit history within a few months of responsible use. Just keep your balance low, make payments on time and review your credit regularly to track your progress.
While building credit takes time, there are some basic strategies you can use to speed up the process. If you have a credit card, start by consistently paying your bill on time to establish a positive payment history. Maintaining a low balance and credit utilization ratio can lead to rapid score improvements. You should also focus on diversifying your credit mix by adding different types of credit, such as a credit builder loan.
→ See LendingTree’s full guide on how to build credit with a credit card.
The time it takes to build credit depends on where you are in your credit journey. If you’re just getting started, it can take at least six months to establish a basic credit history and see initial changes in your credit score. After that, you can expect your score to be updated at least once a month, when credit issuers report to the credit bureaus.
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The information related to the Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card, Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card for Students, Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card, Navy Federal cashRewards® Secured Credit Card, Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card, Amazon Secured Card, First Tech Platinum Secured Mastercard®, OpenSky Visa® Gold Card, Amazon Prime Store Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
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